Empire State Winter Games
About Empire State Winter Games
The Empire State Winter Games (ESWG) stands as the premier Olympic-style winter sporting event in the Northeast. This community-focused celebration showcases the talents of athletes while honoring the beauty of winter in the Adirondacks. The festivities kick off with a torch relay that spans 700 miles, culminating in an opening ceremony that officially marks the beginning of three days filled with competitions. The ESWG is designed to be a memorable experience for families and sports enthusiasts alike!
The Sports
Get ready for an exciting weekend at the Empire State Winter Games, where competitions will take place across various towns in the Adirondacks!
In Lake Placid, NY, you can enjoy events such as Adaptive Bobsled, Ski Orienteering, Cross Country Skiing, Figure Skating, Biathlon, Luge, Short Track Speed Skating, Skeleton, and more!
The excitement continues at Whiteface Mountain in Wilmington, NY, with thrilling events including Freestyle Moguls, Adaptive Alpine, and Ski and Snowboard Cross.
Saranac Lake, NY, will host games as part of the 10U Boys, 12U Boys, 12U Girls, and 14U Girls Ice Hockey tournaments, along with additional Cross Country Skiing events.
In Tupper Lake, you can watch the Sled Hockey tournament at the Tupper Lake Civic Center, and don’t miss the Snowshoe event in Paul Smiths!
Stay tuned for the official release of the 2026 Empire State Winter Games schedule!
Registration
Registration is now open! Visit www.empirestatewintergames.com to register!
You do not have to be a New York state resident to participate in the Empire State Games and most sports are open to all levels.
Opening Ceremony
The Empire State Winter Games' Opening Ceremony will return to the 1980 Arena at the Lake Placid Olympic Center on the evening of Thursday, February 5, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.
Athlete Village
Located in the Main Municipal Lot on Main Street in Lake Placid, NY, the Athlete Village is the place to be for family fun! Enjoy hot chocolate, s’mores, sports activities, athlete interviews, a photo booth, and more!
- Dates & Times TBD
Join the Action
Become a part of the action in various ways! Join the volunteer team, like the Empire State Winter Games on Facebook and follow on Instagram. Share your own winter sport memories and photos by using #ESWG and #ComeOutAndPlay.
